Back-to-School Tips from Steph #HealthyEssentials

The first week of the 2014-2015 school is almost in the books. I can't believe Summer is over and I'm already back to packing lunches and racing to the bus stop every morning!  As I was reflecting on some of the things I wanted to tell Chica on her first day of school, I was reminded that we as parents also need some tips and encouragement for the new school year!

So, as a gift from me to you, I compiled a few pieces of down-to-earth back-to-school advice from an average ol' mom (i.e.: me).

Be Brave (Socially)

This is something that weighed heavily on my heart for Chica, but as I formed the words to share with her, I realized they were equally applicable to me. My girl is shy, so as a mom I am working to encourage her to be brave in social situations: to say hi to someone new, to invite someone to sit next to her at lunch, to join in on games at recess. 

But, friends? Perhaps we need to take our own advice. I need to be brave socially. Because for the amount of nervousness I feel when I enter Parent Night, wondering who to talk to and if I will fit in (AND YES - WE ALL FEEL THIS WAY), I'd imagine many of the other parents are feeling the same hesitation. It takes just one person to step out in courage, stick out their hand and say, "Howdy!" 

Be that person.

Embrace Sleep and Waking Up

Yes, we need to get our kids back on their normal school year sleep routine. Newsflash: parents need their sleep too! And many of us get just as "off schedule"in the summer as our kids do. I find it too easy to bask in the quietness after the kids go to sleep to get work done, to binge watch TV shows on Netflix or to read a book. But then 6:30am rolls around and it is a painful wake-up call. Aim to get at least 7 hours of sleep each night (for me that means going to bed before 10:30pm). 

In the morning, give yourself a Wake Up Routine. Maybe it is laying in bed for 5 minutes and checking your email. Maybe it is washing your face with something invigorating, like Neutrogena's Pink Grapefruit Scrub or rinsing the sleepy mouth scum out of your mouth with Listerine. 

KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid)

Don't overcomplicate your life. Find life hacks and shortcuts to keep the nights and mornings go as smoothly as possibly. I can't recommend more highly the practice of packing school lunches the night before. Sure, it only takes, like, 2 minutes. But there is something stressful about facing a morning where the lunches still need to be made. I also encourage the kids to pick out their outfits the night before. This eliminates the "I Don't Want To Wear Those Clothes" fight in the morning.

Coffee

Need I say more? 

(Sweeten the deal with Splenda!)




Johnson & Johnson is all about re-engergizing your back-to-school routine! The Johnson & Johnson HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® line is offering amazing printable coupons, tips & tools and so much more for all the products you and your family love. You can save more than $40 by visiting http://www.HealthyEssentials.com now and signing up for HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® program coupons and offers. 

While you’re there, check out some of these great savings:

• Save $1.00 on JOHNSON'S® Baby NO MORE TANGLES® or Extra Conditioning hair care product (excludes sizes 1 oz.-4 oz., JOHNSON'S® BUDDIES® and JOHNSON'S® KIDS® products) 
• Save $2.00 on any (2) AVEENO® products (excludes cleansing bars and moisturizing bars, trial sizes and 2.5 oz. lotion sizes) 
• Save $2.00 on any (1) RoC® Anti-Aging product 
• Save $1.00 on any (1) NEUTROGENA® Cleansing, Moisture, or Acne product 
• Save $1.00 on any (1) SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweetener Products
• Save $1.50 on any (1) VISINE® product (0.5 fl. oz. or larger) 
• Save $1.00 on any (1) LISTERINE® Antiseptic Mouthwash, or (1) LISTERINE®NATURALS™ Antiseptic, or (1) LISTERINE® ULTRACLEAN® Antiseptic, or (1) LISTERINE® TOTAL CARE, or (1) LISTERINE® ZERO®, or (1) LISTERINE® FLUORIDE DEFENSE® Anticavity Mouthwash product (Valid on products 1L or larger)

What are YOUR best back-to-school tips? 

Which Johnson & Johnson 

HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® 

products help re-energize your daily routine?

This post is part of the HEALTHY ESSENTIALS^® 2014 program by Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc. and The Motherhood, who sent me a box of products and compensated me for my time. Opinions, experiences and photos shared here are all my own, and I hope you enjoy them.

Rock Your Summer with Healthy Essentials at Target

Friends?

Are you loving summer?

We are!  It had quite a chaotic start: moving right before the end of the school year, beginning several new jobs at the same time and the regular end-of-school year craziness (for both Chica and Hubby). When the last school bell sounded, you can rest assured we were CELEBRATING.

One of the best parts of summer is the opportunity to play with friends. Since moving, we are now 30 minutes closer to the people we love and hang out with. The girls are reveling that we can spontaneously get together with their friends on any given day. We've also moved to a neighborhood chock full of kids. We had NO kid neighbors where we lived before, so this has been quite the novelty!

We helped celebrate summer with a joint birthday party for two special little friends. The girls and I were delighted to provide some great summer essentials thanks to Target and Healthy Essentials. As summer approaches, we all rush to try on new bathing suits and stock up corn on the cob. But there are some Healthy Essentials people often overlook, like sunscreen and bandaids (I don't know about you, but thanks to scooters, bikes and insane games of tag we have plenty of skinned knees happening around here).

Before the big party, we headed to our favorite place to stock up on all the supplies: Target! I swear they have anything. Does anyone else find that they go into Target for one thing and walk out with 5 things they hadn't planned on buying? #TargetProblems

In addition to all the Healthy Essentials supplies, we got cute decorations and fun accents, like these paper straws. And thanks to their extensive toy aisle, the birthday gifts were covered.

HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® Products are key essentials that can help you keep going and stay focused on fun this summer, no matter what happens.  You won't have to worry, because you’re prepared for the Best Summer Ever!

• Through August 16, visit www.yourbestsummer.com to play a virtual soccer game, share your score and take a shot at instantly winning a $200 Target eGiftCard.
  
  
• You could win one of more than $15,000 in prizes.
  
  
• You can also score savings with Target-specific coupons on key essentials for summertime (and all the time!) at www.yourbestsummer.com.

In addition, the HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® program is offering amazing printable coupons, tips & tools and so much more for all the products you and your family love. You can save more than $45 by visiting http://www.HealthyEssentials.com in June and July and signing up for HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® program coupons and offers.

What are the top 3 Healthy Essentials in YOUR summer beach bag?

This post is part of the HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® 2014 program by Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc. and The Motherhood, who sent me a box of products and compensated me for my time. Opinions, experiences and photos shared here are all my own, and I hope you enjoy them.

Celebrate Earth Day with HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® Savings and Tips from Johnson & Johnson #Moms4JNJConsumer #ad

This post is part of the HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® 2014 program by Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc. and The Motherhood, who sent me a box of products and compensated me for my time. Opinions, experiences and photos shared here are all my own, and I hope you enjoy them.

After such a rough Winter, Spring us upon us. Despite the random SNOW we got here last night in southeastern PA, I am loving the Spring weather. I love that my kids can play outside in the sunshine, dig in the dirt (give me strength), ride bikes and we can take walks together as a family. There is something wonderfully delicious about being outside. We soak up more Vitamin D, we breath fresh air, and we get in tune with nature.

April is Earth Month, and we have the great opportunity to celebrate the very Earth we romp around on each day. To celebrate Earth Month, Johnson & Johnson has some great savings, tips and resources to share:

Earth-Friendly Tips

Head over to the Johnson and Johnson website for Earth-friendly tips this April. Did you know that there are a lot of things in your bathroom that you can recycle? Visit the Care to Recycle page to find some timely bathroom recycling solutions (I had no idea you can recycle caps!).  Learn how to make an edible garden as well!

People-Friendly Giving

Johnson & Johnson is giving back to the community with Donate a Photo. Share a photo through the Donate a Photo App, and Johnson & Johnson will donate $1 to one of the great causes you pick from this list. Causes like Water.Org, Operation Smile, Girl Up, Shot@Life and Keep America Beautiful are all great ways to give back not only to your community but the planet as well!

Wallet-Friendy Savings

This month, you can save $55 by visiting the Healthy Essentials website and signing up for HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® program coupons and offers. Here are some of this month's awesome deals:

• Save $1.00 on any JOHNSON'S® Baby Intense Moisture Cream

• Save $1.00 on any LUBRIDERM® product (6oz or larger)

• Save $1.00 on any (1) CLEAN & CLEAR® product (excludes trial and travel sizes)

• Save $1.00 on any (1) NEUTROGENA® Sun product (exclude trial size)

• Save $1.00 on any (1) LISTERINE® SMART RINSE Anti-cavity Mouthwash, 500 ml

• Save $1.00 on any (1) REACH® Total Care Floss, or REACH® Gentle Gum Care Floss, or REACH® Dentotape® or REACH® Access® Flosser

• Save $2.00 on any (3) NEOSPORIN®, BAND-AID® Brand Adhesive bandages or  JOHNSON and JOHNSON RED CROSS® Brand products (excludes all trial and travel sizes, First Aid Kits, 10 ct Band-Aid Brand Adhesive Bandages, and On-the-Go First Aid Kits. Must buy (2) different brand products to qualify for this offer along with a third product)




Happy Earth Day!

Practical Ways to Spice Up Your Sex Life #Moms4JNJConsumer

Here is the thing about sex: 

Lots of people have it, but no one wants to talk about it. 

Sex is complicated, and many of us find ourselves really struggling in our marriages regarding our sexual relationships. But since sex is this taboo topic, we can't ask the questions and research answers without feeling like a nymphomaniac.

So, I made a decision early in my marriage to be that person.

You see, sex has not been an easy process in my marriage. Up until I first had sex (my husband actually being the one and only person I've ever slept with), sex was this super romantic ideal, painted by the television shows and movies that glorify it. If everything you ever learned about sex was derived from Greys Anatomy and Mad Men, it would be easy to believe that couples hungered for sex every minute of the day, engaging in the act several times within a 24 hour period. In our mind's eye, there is the perfect music soundtrack playing in the background of every sexual encounter. Your partner would whisper all the right words, and bodies would naturally find themselves in just the right positions.


Then you actually have sex.


And it's not...quite like that.


It did not take long to learn that sex takes work, and in turn, is a work-in-progress. It takes time to learn how to communicate, how to move, how to relate. For every moment that sex is wonderful, explosive and thrilling, it can also be awkward, uncomfortable and even unappealing.


I think women struggle with sex. But since it's an unspoken topic, much like politics, religion and money, we suffer in silence. We believe the lie that everyone else has over-the-top sex on a daily basis, that everyone else is a vixen. And we slowly buckle under the guilt, pressure and hopelessness that our love life is destined to be boring and unromantic. This can really lead to rifts in a marriage.


So I talk about sex. Not like a crazy porn star. I ask questions and attempt to engage in discussions. I am mindful of keeping conversations appropriate, and protecting the privacy and reputation of my husband (my general rule of thumb: what, if anything, would I be okay with him asking or discussing with his friends?). I keep the focus on me, I keep things light. And you know what I found?

Other women struggle with the exact same issues.

Other women struggle with having no interest in sex at times. Other women struggle with the actual physical dynamics of sex. Other women struggle with ruts and how to make sex exciting. Other women struggle with husbands who have either raging sexual appetites or seemingly no appetite at all.


The main struggle women seem to have is keeping the flame alive – making sex new, exciting and interesting (and being interested in sex themselves). This is one of my biggest struggles, and I've had to address the struggle intentionally to make progress. Since I'm sure I'm not alone in this area (and ready and willing to talk about it), here are a few ideas that have worked for me in spicing up things in the bedroom:

Think about sex

That's right. Whatever you've been taught about not having naughty thoughts, throw it right out the window. I'm not saying fantasize about every guy that walks by. I'm saying think about having sex...with your husband. Start in the morning. Set reminders. But make thinking about having sex with your husband a regular part of your day. Get lost in it if you can. Women take a lot of time to warm up to sex. By thinking about it all day, you're giving yourself hours to get into the right mindset, allowing your heart and body to follow.

Be Prepared...In the Bedroom

Being caught off guard is a pretty big mood killer. And I know for most women, it's really helpful to have certain items available to assure a good experience. One of those things is lubrication.

Yes. I went there.

Sometimes participating in intimacy is literally impossible without it. So why be shy about talking about it? We've tried several different brands, but I give a big high five to the makers of K-Y brand. They've been around since 1917 (Yes! People were knocking boots even back then!) and is known as a go-to product. Most importantly: it works. 

Friends?

That's all that matters in my book.

 I also really love that they are finding new ways to improve, ahem, relations with products like this:

K-Y® BRAND YOURS+MINE® COUPLES LUBRICANTS® 

(They are actually having a great promotion right now - Look for a special K-Y® Brand Date Night™ display in stores nationwide, featuring details on a gift card offer for a gourmet meal for two delivered to your home from Plated.com and a streaming movie from Vudu.com, valued at $40.

Visit the https://www.k-ydatenight.com/ for more details on this special offer.)

Happy Valentine's Day to us, right? ;)

Get comfortable talking with your partner

Talking about sex isn't naturally comfortable for most. But opening a line of communication between you and your partner will greatly enhance things in the bedroom. Don't suffer in silence! Let your partner know how you feel, even if it's difficult. Let them know what kind of things you enjoy during sex, let them know the things you don't enjoy. Sometimes bottling thoughts and feelings up compiles over time until it's a wall, which is harder to break down. Plus, how can your partner know what to change if you don't tell him?

Change the dynamic

Ruts happen when you do the same thing over and over again. Or maybe you're not in a rut: you've never gotten off to a good start. Try something different: Change the lighting (do you always make love with the lights off? Try lighting candles or dim the lights); Change the location (if you always opt for the bed, try the floor. Or try a different room altogether – the kitchen perhaps?); Change the position. But make a change and see if it lights a spark.

Wear sexy panties

This goes along with some of the things I've touched on already, but try wearing sexy underwear or a thong. Put it on when you wake up, and wear it throughout the day. No one will know but you. But it will remind you to think sexily (I think I just made up a word). And really, wearing sexy things just makes you feel sexy. Another option is to go out and buy some new lingerie. 

Overall, it's about letting yourself feel beautiful so you can embrace that your partner undoubtedly thinks you are beautiful too. Spruce up before The Act: brush your teeth (thankful for Rembrandt), freshen your breath (hello, Listerine!), maybe even throw on some make up (Neutrogena is a great choice!). 

Let yourself feel beautiful!

Put it on the calendar

This doesn't work for me, but I know it works for others. Make a sex date with your hubby. Maybe it's once a week (or three times a week. Or bi-weekly. Whatever works for you), but mark it on the calendar. Maybe just put a heart around the date. But set that time aside ahead of time. This gives you a chance to prepare (send the kids to grandma's that night. Shower. Shave. Buy those sexy panties). And preparation is not just physical, but mental as well. For some, it is a real turn off to have sex sprung on them. Knowing that sex is going to happen later that night gives you a chance to prepare.

Talk with your gal pals

I'm not saying give a play-by-play at Moms Group. I just mean get the door open for conversation. It is important to protect your privacy, as well as your partner's privacy. So try not to get too specific. But if you are having an issue, mentally or emotionally (even physically), other women might be able to help. I have a great group of girlfriends who came around me when I finally admitted, “I never want to have sex. This is kind of a problem.” They offered great advice and support (and ideas on how to get my head in the game).

Act the part

Sometimes, we aren't in the mood for sex. Perhaps it's been a bad day with the kids, or you've got other things on your mind that are distracting you. Maybe you've always had problems desiring or wanting to engage in sex. Try acting the part. I'm not encouraging you to lie to your partner. I'm encouraging you to have the freedom of physically acting the part in sex. Often, if given enough time, your mind and heart will follow. Sometimes it takes diving in to actually get into the mood. We stop ourselves at “I don't really feel like it,” before giving it a go and seeing if it just takes getting warmed up. Consider being the one to initiate sex if you usually wait for your partner to initiate. Taking the reigns, so to speak, might be just the jump you need to be excited about the activity!

Laugh and have fun

If you are stressed, sex becomes a chore. And it's not good for a relationship if sex becomes something you resent. Instead, keep an open mind. Don't have set expectations. If things get a little awkward, laugh. If you aren't sure what step to take next, laugh. Let sex be fun. The change in attitude might change your feelings as well.


I hope you feel encouraged that everyone has things to work on in their relationship. It definitely helps to feel like you are not alone. The important thing is to accept those things that could use work and then have fun trying new solutions! Best of luck!


I'd love to know:

Is this something YOU struggle with?

What has worked to help you “get in the mood?”

If you want coupons on some of the brands I mentioned so YOU can be PREPARED (ahem) for Valentine's Day, you can find them at HealthyEssentials.com. Get $2 off K-Y Brand here.

This post is part of the HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® 2014 program by Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc. and The Motherhood, who sent me a box of products and compensated me for my time. Opinions, experiences and photos shared here are all my own, and I hope you enjoy them.

What Are Your HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® for 2014? #Moms4JNJConsumer

This post is part of the HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® 2014 program by Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc. and The Motherhood, who sent me a box of products and compensated me for my time. Opinions, experiences and photos shared here are all my own, and I hope you enjoy them.

You know what ruffles my feathers?

Needing an everyday item, the kind that is a necessity and you use on a regular basis, only to find that you are completely out of said item.

Have you ever gone to wash your hair and run out of shampoo? Or treat a diaper rash and the ointment is empty? Or fix a boo-boo only to find there are no more bandages?

Story. Of. My. Life.

That's why I am determined to make sure all of my essentials are always at the ready for my every day needs. And I am lucky that the HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® line from Johnson & Johnson covers every area of my every day needs: 

Hair care, skin care, dental care, child care. 

The only thing better than having essentials on hand is having QUALITY essentials on hand. The J&J Healthy Essentials website is also a fantastic resource. I've been loving the HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® tips page - all the life hacks that make my life simple and healthy! Like, did you know if you put on Johnsons Baby Oil Gel after a warm shower it locks in 10 times more moisture?? Or that yoga, self-massage and meditation help reduce stress?




GOOD NEWS to all of my frugal readers!

To help families usher in a healthy New Year, HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® is offering amazing printable coupons, tips & tools and so much more. Here’s the deal: you can save over $45 by visiting www.HealthyEssentials.com in January and signing up for extra-special HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® coupons and offers.

Now is the perfect time for a fresh start to your healthcare routine and to create healthy resolutions. From pain & allergy relief to dietary & digestive health to products for kids & babies, there are significant savings on items for every member of the family! Visit www.HealthyEssentials.com to sign up!

Ring in the New Year with Healthy Essentials at the #Moms4JNJConsumer Twitter Party!

We are excited to join Johnson & Johnson Family of Consumer Companies for a Twitter party to talk about HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® for the New Year, resolutions, family wellness and how to score great deals on health and hygiene products! Learn how HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® can help you reach health-related goals for 2014.

When: Tuesday, January 14, 1 p.m. ET

Hashtag: #Moms4JNJConsumer (plus #ad or #sponsored for co-hosts)

Prizes: We will randomly award 15 prizes throughout the party, from all eligible correct responses to trivia questions. Each prize includes an assortment of Johnson & Johnson Family of Consumer Companies HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® products with an estimated retail value of $50.

Prize Eligibility: No purchase necessary. Entrants must be legal residents of the 50 United States + D.C. 18 years of age or older. Void where prohibited.

Hosts: @theMotherhood, @CooperMunroe, @EmilyMcKhann, @TheMotherhood25




YES - I'll be there too!

Soccer Fans

Want to go to 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™? Visit HealthyEssentials.com and see if your wish could come true. Plus, get tips and coupons to save on your favorite products for the New Year.

All you have to do is share a picture or story of a moment of caring in your life and you could scream “GOAL!” from Brazil.

Visit www.healthyessentials.com for more information on this amazing opportunity!

~~~~~

I'd love to hear from you:

What are the essentials in YOUR life that you cannot live without?